Kingston, Jamaica, 14 February 2020. As customary, the Cuban Embassy in Jamaica - represented on this occasion by Counsellor Ricardo Calvo – participated this year in the Public Speaking Competition held by the Rita Marley Foundation (JA), whose Sixth Edition took place today at the Main Library of the Mona Campus, University of the West Indies.
York Castle High School’s Shawvick Barret, won the first place among twelve talented Jamaican high school students, speaking on the theme “Mankind’s technological and economic advancement is of paramount importance. Natural resources must be exploited to achieve this goal.”
The event was attended by Rita Marley (photo), founder and President of the institution that bears her name; Dr. Verene Shepherd, Director of the Jamaica Centre for Reparation Research and member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; Ms. Jo-Ann Archibald, Chief Director of Cultural and Creative Industries in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (representing Honourable Minister Olivia Grange); Ms. Dorret Campbell, Deputy Director of Education in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information; and Ms. Beverley Lashley, Executive Director of the National Library of Jamaica, among other prominent personalities from the fields of education, science and culture.
Addressing the contestants, the Cuban representative acknowledged the close cultural ties that unite Cuba and Jamaica, wished them success in the competition and urged them to inspire from the legacy of peace and love left in Bob Marley’s life and works.